Cedar College Inc

What Cedar College Inc does

Cedar College is an independent, co-educational Christian school located on a 10-acre campus in Northgate, South Australia, delivering Reception to Year 12 education across four developmental branches: Junior Primary (R-2), Upper Primary (3-6), Middle School (7-9), and Senior School (10-12). The school is a ministry of Navigate Baptist Church (formerly Oakden Baptist Church) and was established in 1997; it is a member of Christian Schools Australia and the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia. As of the August 2025 census, Cedar enrolled approximately 884 students served by a leadership and teaching team led by Principal Tim Heading, with no publicly disclosed employee count beyond management.

The school's core product is a Christ-centred education grounded in three pillars — Discover Jesus, Display Love, Develop Self — delivered through proprietary frameworks including the God's Big Story curriculum lens, the Tree of Teaching and Learning pedagogical approach, and the Christian Living Curriculum. Specialist programs differentiate the offering: SPARK for gifted and talented students (Years 2-9), CLIC for learning inclusion, and the Canopy program (opened 2021) for students with additional needs. Technology integration includes school-owned laptops on loan for Years 7-12 and 1:1 iPads for Reception to Year 6. Academic outcomes are strong, with 100% SACE completion in 2025, a College Dux ATAR of 99.85, and 21% of Year 12s above ATAR 90.

The business model is a subscription-style tuition engine, with 2026 fees ranging from AUD 6,100 to AUD 7,800 per first child annually, supplemented by a AUD 400 capital levy, AUD 70 application fee, AUD 400 enrolment fee, and AUD 200 senior book bond. Sibling discounts (20%, 40%, free for fourth child) and a 4% early-payment discount shape effective realized pricing. The all-inclusive fee bundles tuition, stationery, books, devices, camps, and excursions. Go-to-market is relationship- and event-driven: school tours, open days, and direct enrolment managed by an in-house Enrolment Officer, with applications accepted up to three years in advance. Revenue is complemented by Australian Government recurrent grants. Distribution of uniforms is handled via a partnership with Noone ImageWear, and senior student pathways extend into Adelaide University Activate and Flinders University Extension Studies programs.

Name

Cedar College Inc

Legal name

Cedar College

Website

https://cedarcollege.sa.edu.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Cedar College is an independent co-educational Christian R-12 school in Northgate, South Australia, serving approximately 884 students across four developmental branches on a single campus, with tuition-funded revenue complemented by government grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Independent K-12 Christian Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Christian Colleges with Theological Programs (EDAHAKAG)

Keywords

• Independent Christian education
• Reception to Year 12 schooling
• Private K-12 education
• SACE secondary education
• Christ-centred schooling

Headquarters

HQ city

Northgate

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: Annual tuition fees constitute the primary revenue stream. Fees vary by school branch: Junior Primary (Reception–Year 2): $6,100/year for first child; Upper Primary (Years 3–6): $6,300/year; Middle School (Years 7–9): $7,000/year; Senior School (Years 10–12): $7,800/year. Significant sibling discounts apply: second child receives 20% discount, third child receives 40% discount, fourth child attends free. An early payment discount of 4% applies for full-year tuition paid by the due date for Term 1. Capital Levy of $400 per family per year is charged separately for capital works.
2. Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $70 is charged when submitting an enrolment application.
3. Enrolment Fee: A one-time, non-refundable enrolment fee of $400 per family is charged upon acceptance of a placement offer. Of this, $200 is a non-refundable administration fee and $200 is credited toward the first term's school fees upon commencement.
4. Senior School Book Bond: A refundable book bond of $200 is charged once-off per student when entering Senior School (Years 10–12). It is refunded upon return of books and laptop in good condition at end of Year 12 or upon leaving the school.
5. Ancillary Charges: While tuition includes camps, excursions, laptops (Years 7-12), iPads (R-6), stationery, books, yearbook, and technology levy, some activities incur additional costs: inter-school sports events, private instrumental lessons, personal items for Year 10 bushwalking camp, and certain Senior School VET subjects.
6. Government Recurrent Grants: Cedar College receives recurrent government grants from the Australian Government as an independent school. These grants contribute to the school's operating income and help maintain affordability.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Cedar College is a co-educational Reception to Year 12 Christian independent school that delivers a Christ-centred education on a single 10-acre campus in Northgate, South Australia, operating through four developmental branches: Junior Primary (Reception-Year 2), Upper Primary (Years 3-6), Middle School (Years 7-9), and Senior School (Years 10-12). The school offers Australian Curriculum and SACE-aligned academic programs supported by proprietary frameworks (Christian Living Curriculum, Tree of Teaching and Learning, God's Big Story), extension and inclusion programs (SPARK, CLIC, Canopy), pastoral and wellbeing services (Cedar Care), interschool sport, and an annual Thailand Service Trip, with all-inclusive tuition covering laptops/iPads, books, stationery, camps, and excursions.

Product overview

Cedar College is a co-educational Reception to Year 12 Christian school offering a comprehensive educational service across four school branches: Junior Primary (Reception-Year 2), Upper Primary (Years 3-6), Middle School (Years 7-9), and Senior School (Years 10-12). The school provides a distinctive Christ-centred education focused on three pillars: Discover Jesus, Display Love, and Develop Self. Beyond the core academic curriculum aligned with the Australian Curriculum and SACE, Cedar College offers specialised programs including SPARK for gifted and talented students, CLIC for learning inclusion support, and Canopy for students with additional needs. The school also provides wellbeing services through Cedar Care, athletic programs, chapel services, community service opportunities like the Thailand Service Trip, and maintains an active alumni association (COSA) for graduates.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Junior Primary (Reception - Year 2) A joyful and nurturing learning environment for children in Reception to Year 2 where students develop strong foundations for learning, relationships, faith, and character through a Christian educational environment.
• Upper Primary (Year 3-6) An educational program for Years 3-6 that equips students to grow in confidence, independence, and character through engaging learning experiences and a nurturing Christian environment.
• Middle School (Year 7-9) A vibrant and supportive learning environment for Years 7-9 where students grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually through engaging learning and meaningful relationships.
• Senior School (Year 10-12) An educational program for Years 10-12 that equips students with the knowledge, character, and confidence to pursue their future with purpose through challenging learning, personalised pathways, and a Christ-centred education, including SACE completion and ATAR preparation.
• Christian Living Curriculum Cedar College's Christian Education program that encourages students to explore the fulfilment, purpose, and hope found through faith in Christ, covering core teachings of the Bible and what it means to follow Jesus.
• SPARK Primary Program An enriched learning program for highly able students in Reception to Year 6 that provides extension, enrichment, and acceleration experiences in mathematics, the arts, and creative writing to develop curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
• SPARK High School Program A specialised gifted and talented program for students in Years 7-9 that focuses on extension topics per term, challenging critical and creative thinking and stretching student skills and knowledge.
• CLIC (Cedar Learning Inclusion Centre) A learning inclusion centre that fosters a culture of inclusion where every learner is supported to flourish through collaborative partnerships, targeted intervention, and meaningful extension opportunities.
• Canopy A dedicated support program for students with disability or additional needs that provides targeted assistance, Individual Learning Plans, and a purpose-built inclusive space to ensure every opportunity to thrive.
• Cedar Care A comprehensive wellbeing service that brings together pastoral, emotional, spiritual, and health support including counselling, health care, and chaplaincy to ensure every student is supported to flourish.
• Thailand Service Trip A biannual three-week service trip to Thailand for Year 10-11 students that enables students to serve communities, build relationships, and grow in empathy, compassion, and global awareness through partnerships with local churches and NGOs.
• Sports Program A comprehensive interschool sports program for students from Years 3-12 through SACSA, SAPSASA, School Sport SA, and Statewide competitions, including a High Performance Program for elite athletes.
• Old Scholars Association (COSA) An alumni association launched in 2012 that keeps graduates connected with Cedar College through newsletters, reunions, and special events, including the alumni newsletter 'Branching Out'.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% SACE completion rate in 2025
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Navigate Baptist ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNavigate Baptist Church (formerly Oakden Baptist Church) is the founding church of Cedar College, established as a ministry in 1997. The church provides ongoing spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and community support for the school. Cedar College operates as a ministry of Navigate Baptist Church, with shared vision for a Christ-centred learning environment.
• Christian Schools Australia (CSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCedar College is a member of Christian Schools Australia, a national association supporting Christian schools across Australia. Membership provides networking, professional development, resources, and advocacy for Christian education.
• Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCedar College is a member of the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia, which supports and advocates for independent schools in South Australia, providing professional development, resources, and representation.
• NaturePlaySAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaturePlaySA collaborated with Cedar College in designing the school's Nature Play spaces, which support learning and the innate desire of children to explore, imagine, be curious, and play in natural environments.
• Noone ImageWearminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNoone ImageWear operates the Cedar College uniform shop, providing 24/7 online access to the full Cedar uniform range for collection at the Campbelltown store, collection at Cedar College, or home delivery. Located at 10 Newton Rd, Campbelltown SA 5074.
• Adelaide University (Activate Program)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHighly capable Senior School students at Cedar College can participate in Adelaide University's Activate Program, enabling them to begin tertiary study while still completing their final year of school.
• Flinders University (Extension Studies Program)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHighly capable Senior School students at Cedar College can participate in Flinders University's Extension Studies Program, enabling them to begin tertiary study while still completing their final year of school.
• Santi Church (Phitsanulok, Thailand)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCedar College partners with Santi Church in Phitsanulok for its Thailand Service Trip program, where students visit, serve, and build relationships with the local community. The partnership includes work in youth detention centres, boarding houses, local churches, and schools.
• Huay Nam Rim Church Child Development Centre (Thailand)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCedar College sponsors eight children from the Huay Nam Rim Church Child Development Centre. Each of the four House Teams supports two children through letter writing and fundraising to provide food, healthcare, education, and safe housing, along with opportunities to learn about God's love.
• Supporting Heart (Thailand)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCedar College partners with Supporting Heart as part of its Thailand Service Trip program, working alongside local NGOs to provide community engagement and practical support in Thailand.
• Panthera CateringminorOthersPanthera Catering provided catering for Cedar College's Winter Jam music event.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Sunrise Christian School: Adelaide-based Christian school network offering R-12 education with a similar faith-based, multi-branch model. Directly competes with Cedar for Christian families in the Adelaide metropolitan area.
• Emmaus Christian College: Adelaide-based Christian R-12 school with comparable enrollment size and faith-based curriculum. Directly competes with Cedar for Christian families in Adelaide's southern and eastern suburbs.
• Temple Christian College: Adelaide-based Christian school offering co-educational R-12 education with a similar faith-centered philosophy. Directly competes with Cedar in the Adelaide independent Christian school market.

Broad incumbents

• Concordia College: Adelaide-based Lutheran R-12 independent school with similar campus-based full-service model. Comparable in grade range and faith-based ethos but serves a different denominational community.
• Walford Anglican School for Girls: Adelaide-based independent Anglican R-12 school with similar size and campus-based model. Competes for the same aspirational Adelaide families but with a different denominational identity.
• Pembroke School: Larger Adelaide-based R-12 independent school with a comprehensive curriculum and co-curricular offering. Competes for top-tier Adelaide families and serves as a benchmark for academic outcomes.
• Scotch College Adelaide: Established Adelaide R-12 independent school with a long history and strong academic reputation. Competes for high-achieving families in Adelaide and represents a larger incumbent alternative to Cedar.
• St Peter's College Adelaide: Historic Adelaide Anglican R-12 boys' school with a prestigious academic and co-curricular profile. Competes for Adelaide families seeking premium faith-affiliated independent education.

Regional players

• Pacific Hills Christian School: NSW-based Christian R-12 school with a similar faith-based, multi-branch educational model. Operates in a different geographic market but shares Cedar's Christian college positioning and approach.
• Northside Christian College: Brisbane-based Christian R-12 school with a faith-centered educational philosophy similar to Cedar. Operates in a different state but offers a comparable Christian college model and target audience.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/cedarcollege

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cedar College Inc